Building a Survival Kit (Part 3)

Posted by Self Reliance Outfitters on October 15, 2013

Remember, a survival kit could save your life. Surviving in the wild isn’t something we expect to need to do. However, if it ever happens, you want to know you’ve packed a survival kit that will help you survive when lost or otherwise. We’ve touched on a few must-haves for a survival kit in our other posts. Today, we’re talking about a few more things you may want to stash in that survival kit.

WATER PURIFICATION KIT

Water is perhaps the most important part of surviving. We need water to live, and even if you’re surrounded by water, it may not be safe to drink. Bacteria thrive in water, and if you drink bacteria-laden water without purifying it, you run the risk of contracting any number of diseases. You can always boil water to pasteurize it and kill bacteria, but sometimes that’s not an option. This is why packing some form of water purificationin your survival kit can really go a long way. This works to kill all bacteria in any water you gathered while surviving and turn it into fresh, drinkable water.

SURVIVAL KIT ENERGY SNACKS

Sources of edible food can be surprisingly scarce in the wild, especially if you don’t know what to look for. If you’re not sure which plants are poisonous and which are fine to eat, it may scare you into not eating them at all. Catching wildlife and preparing it to eat is also a tricky task. When you’re packing a survival kit, consider making space for energy snacks. These can be any kind of food designed to boost energy and incorporate large amounts of calories into your system. Foods like protein bars, meal bars, nuts, chocolate, and others can help you in a time of need and don’t add much weight to your survival kit.

AREA MAP AND COMPASS

This one is more dependent on where you’ll be adventuring. When you are preparing for your next trip, consider packing a map of the area you will be in. In the event of a survival crisis, being able to locate yourself on a map can mean all the difference. Also, keep a compass in the survival kit as well. While you can judge directions by the sun, it takes a little more time and is not always the most accurate way to get your bearings. Together, an area map and a compass can help you find your way back to safety.

What else should you pack in a survival kit? Stay tuned for our next blog detailing three more items that deserve space in your survival kit! [Continue Reading Part 4]